The Shadow at the Door is different from Tim Weaver’s other books. It’s a collection of short stories, with some shared characters. While Weaver’s main protagonist, David Raker, makes multiple appearances, the stories go beyond him. Read on to know what works and doesn’t in this gorgeous-looking collection of four short stories.
Genre:
Thriller, Crime
Length:
496 pages (Hardcover)
Blurb:
Four short stories come together in this collection by Tim Weaver. In the first one, David Raker is searching for a man who walked upstairs to his bedroom one night and simply disappeared. Months later, there’s still no trace of him and his desperate family turns to Raker. In the second story, a night patrolman on the London Underground finds something dreadful, but that’s only the beginning. Next is a story about a years-old case that revolves around a key recurring character. Can the past catch up to ruin the present? And lastly, another familiar face makes an appearance in a story where a personal vacation ends up becoming a whole lot more.
Overall Rating:
8 out of 10 stars
Plot:
Story 1: 10 out of 10 stars
Story 2: 10 out of 10 stars
Story 3: 8 out of 10 stars
Story 4: 8 out of 10 stars
Characterization:
10 out of 10 stars
Primary Element:
9 out of 10 stars for all stories’ suspense and thrill
Writing Style:
10 out of 10 stars
Part of a Series:
Yes. This picks up a little after Book #10 in the David Raker series, No One Home, and does have older characters come up.
Highlighted Takeaway:
A different take on the David Raker series, The Shadow at the Door shines the limelight on other known characters too.
What I Liked:
Tim Weaver’s short stories are slightly different in style than his novels… but in a good way. They’re just as enthralling and filled with twists. I especially enjoyed how Weaver delved into stories of secondary characters.
What I Didn’t Like:
There is nothing specific to dislike in this book.
Who Should Read It:
If you’ve been reading the Raker series, I would highly recommend picking this one up. It is definitely a good addition to the arc development of David Raker as well as other key characters.
Who Should Avoid:
The Shadow at the Door is probably not the best starting point if you’ve not read any of the David Raker series. And I don’t think it’ll be spectacular as a standalone either.
Read It For:
One of the best insights into a secondary character that you come to care for over the past books.
I got my copy of The Shadow at the Door at Book Depository. They deliver across the world and I had to have this ‘collector’s edition’ style hardcover. Click here to buy a copy. And, if you want to get into Tim Weaver’s latest book in the David Raker series, buy your copy of The Blackbird here.
Want to add something about Tim Weaver or other crime and thriller writers? Got recommendations? Leave us a comment below. And, as always, thanks for stopping at The Book Review Station and reading this review.
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– Rishika
The Book Review Station 